PGI Crete (ΠΓΕ Κρήτη)

The demarcated area for the production of PGΙ Crete (ΠΓΕ Κρήτη) wines comprises all the prefectures of the island of Crete and more specifically Lasithi, Heraklion, Rethymno and Chania.

The characteristics
Crete is the largest island in Greece and it is geographically situated in the southernmost part of the country. Vineyards run along the length of the island, from east to west, however most of them are located in the northern part in order to benefit from the north-blowing sea breezes. A central spine of mountain ranges extends almost the entire length of Crete and protect the vineyards from the warm-blowing winds that come from the Africa continent. There are both mountainous and lower-lying vineyards. The imposing presence of the Cretan mountains create an abundance of available mountainous and semi-mountainous areas. Altitude can reach or exceed 1,000 meters above sea level. The topography can be quite complex and wild with plateaus and canyons that lead to a wide range of different mesoclimates and terroirs. Heat can always always mitigated either by proximity to the sea or because of altitude.

Wine types:

• White dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet, sweet, fortified sweet, fortified from dried grapes
• Rosé dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet, sweet
• Red dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet, sweet, fortified sweet, fortified from dried grapes

The grape varieties
Crete has a wealth of native -high-quality- grape varieties and most of Cretan producers are eager to exploit their quality potential. Some of them, such as the whites Dafni and Plyto are rarely seen in the vineyards. The whites Vilana and Vidiano and the reds Liatiko, Mandilaria (Mandilari) and Kotsifali are the most important varieties in terms of plantings. International grapes are also very well adapted in the local vineyard. Rhone-varieties such as Syrah are cultivated in the vineyards for the production of single-varietal bottlings or blends under the PGI Crete designation. (ΠΓΕ Κρήτη)

Permitted grape varieties:

White Wines
Indigenous: Athiri, Assyrtiko, Vilana, Vidiano, Daphni, Thrapsathiri, Muscat White, Plyto, Romeiko, Malvasia di Candia
International: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Sylvaner, Viognier, Maccabeau, Ugni Blanc.

Red Wines
Indigenous: Kotsifali, Kotsifoliatiko, Ladikino, Liatiko, Mandilaria (Mandilari), Romeiko
International: Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache Rouge, Merlot, Carignan, Syrah, Mourverde.

Rosé wines
All grape varieties permitted in white and red wine production, are allowed.